Island Indicators Reports

ISLAND INDICATORS 2010–2011 Status report on Maine’s year-round island communities A report by the Island Institute ISLAND INDICATORS 2010–2011 A status report on Maine’s year-round island communities Project Manager: Mary Terry Research: Sarah Curran, Planning Decisions, Inc. Design: Eric Wayne Images: Peter Ralston unless otherwise noted ©2012 ISLAND INSTITUTE 386 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841 www.islandinstitute.org (207) 594-9209 TABLE OF CONTENTS Community & Civic Trends • Population ................................................................................................................................................Page 8 • Age ............................................................................................................................................................Page 12 • Educational Attainment .........................................................................................................................Page 14 • School Enrollment ..................................................................................................................................Page 16 • School Funding .......................................................................................................................................Page 18 • Library Usage ...........................................................................................................................................Page 20 • Voter Turnout ..........................................................................................................................................Page 22 Economic Trends • Income ......................................................................................................................................................Page 24 • Lobstering & Fishing ..............................................................................................................................Page 28 • Working-Waterfront Access ..................................................................................................................Page 34 • Taxable Sales ............................................................................................................................................Page 37 Affordability Trends • Housing ....................................................................................................................................................Page 40 • Property Valuation ..................................................................................................................................Page 45 • Electricity Rates .......................................................................................................................................Page 47 • Heating Fuel .............................................................................................................................................Page 49 • Ferry Transportation ..............................................................................................................................Page 50 Overview of Island Communities .........................................................................................................Page 53 OVERVIEW The intent of the expanded biennial compilation of the Island Indica- change over time in order to illustrate the current well-being of these tors report is to underscore the opportunities and challenges facing communities and to identify trends. This update extends beyond the Maine’s 15 year-round island communities. The 2006 Island Indicators key indicators to further describe island issues. Some of the new ma- report was the first analysis of available demographic, economic, and terial is anecdotal and much has been taken from community conver- social data for these communities. The updated 2008 Island Indicators sations and informal surveys. In keeping with tradition, this updated report presented a snapshot of the realities of island communities two version was designed to provide helpful information to those involved years later. This 2010-11 edition includes the latest data and reflects in community initiatives and advocacy efforts. ANALYSIS OF MAJOR FINDINGS The picture that emerges from the trends we have analyzed is that, • The median age of islanders is higher than Maine as a whole. although the Maine islands continue to have real challenges such as Maine has the highest median age of any state in the country. aging populations, declining school enrollments, limited employment opportunities and an elevated overall cost of living, we see some im- ■ Islands seem to be aging due to an influx of older portant bright spots. For instance, the one silver lining in the cloud of residents who often become actively engaged in the the Great Recession is that housing costs on islands are more afford- civic and nonprofit life of their communities. able than at any time in the past decade. The lobster industry is, if not thriving, at least healthy and sales are robust. But perhaps the single • Maine ranks 31st in the country in median income but, surpris- most important thing islanders have done during the past decade is to ingly, 11 of 15 year-round island communities have a higher have invested successfully in the education of their students, and this median income than the state as a whole. among all other factors, bodes well for their future. ■ This trend has likely resulted from native and summer islanders, having earned a living elsewhere, returning to or • Overall, Maine island populations have been relatively stable settling on islands. between 2000 and 2010, although individual islands have expe- rienced small increases or decreases. 2 - Overview & Analysis • The economic situation of islanders results, in part, from the • Education is clearly valued in island communities. continued increase in lobster landings. ■ More island residents have college degrees (33%) ■ Islanders represent less than 1% of Maine’s population, than mainland residents (23%). yet hold 9% of the state’s lobster licenses. ■ Fewer island residents are without a high school diploma ■ Costs have increased, but many lobstermen have made up than mainland residents (12% versus 15%). in volume what they have lost from rising fuel and bait ■ From data recently collected through the Island Institute’s costs, and flat or decreasing prices for their landings. scholarship program, we know that island students achieve ■ In 2010, the islands collectively landed over 12 million at or above the Maine state average on standardized tests. pounds of lobsters worth over $40 million. ■ The graduation rate for island high school students is higher than the average in Maine—virtually 100% in • Islanders face higher expenses, especially for energy and trans- recent years. portation. ■ An increasing number of high school graduates from the islands are going to college. ■ Electricity rates on islands range from 16 to 70 cents per kilowatt hour compared to a Maine state average of 16 cents. It is clear that Maine’s 15 year-round island communities face many ■ Oil prices are comparatively higher on islands due to challenges and uncertainties. It is also clear that islanders, both new- transportation costs and lack of volume discounts. comers and those from longtime island families, live in the present ■ Transportation costs related to ferry, parking and freight with an eye toward the future. As this edition of the Island Indicators increase the expense of island living. illustrates, island communities are engaging in comprehensive planning, building affordable housing, investing in community infrastruc- ture and leading the way in preparing their children to compete in the global, digital age. Overview & Analysis - 3 SUMMARY Community & Civic Trends • School Funding – In 2008–2009, islands funded 78% of their • Population – Since 1990, island populations overall have in- school budgets locally. State wide, communities funded 53% of creased 5.7% as compared to 8.2% in the state as a whole. Over their school budgets locally. The commitment to school funding that timespan, the populations of Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay reflects strong community support to provide quality educational islands have increased 11.8% and 5.4% respectively. During that experiences for island students. same period, Downeast islands’ populations have decreased 8.1%. Maintaining a critical mass of people is vital to the stability and • Library Usage – Per-capita circulation continues to be higher on sustainability of island communities. islands than in the state as a whole, reflecting a community prior- ity to maintain and enhance island library catalogues and offer- • Age – The median age on islands remains significantly higher ings. Six island communities were in the Maine State Libraries than in the state as a whole. Only Frenchboro and Islesford have per capita “Top 15” lists for 2009, including Program Attendance, median ages below the state median. The other islands are signifi- Library Visits, Circulation and Number of Internet Users. cantly above the state median. This continuing trend may have implications for the strength of island-based workforces, schools • Voter Turnout – In 2008, island voter turnout ranged from 63% and community diversity. on Matinicus to 95% on Monhegan as compared to the state average of 72%. This is in keeping with a high rate of civic engage- • Educational Attainment – More islanders (88%) have attained ment and volunteerism in island schools, local governments and a high-school

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